While perusing patent databases we noticed that 3D Systems has published a patent on methods to 3D print soap objects.

US Patent no. 2015/0291921, entitled “THREE-DIMENSIONAL SOAP OBJECTS FORMED BY ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING” describes a method for fabricating “soap” objects from particulate material and a fluid binder.

The proposed device would operate in a manner quite similar to their existing powder-based ProJet series: a bed of powder would be selectively squirted with a binder. The binder would hold those portions of the object together, when applied in successive layers. The patent says that the binder would be “10-100%” adhesive material.

The particulate material is comprised of one or more of the following:

This patent doesn’t seem much of a stretch over their existing plastic-powder processes, but certainly would require an amount of tuning and testing to determine the correct timings, temperatures and other operational parameters.

But once done, it’s possible that 3D Systems could announce a “Soap Printer”. Possibly they’ll call it the “3D Systems SoapJet”?

We’ve seen no other evidence of such a machine, but stranger things have happened. In past years, for example, 3D Systems has suddenly exhibited unusual 3D printers at the Consumer Electronics Show, such as their chocolate and sugar printers. We will keep watch for such a machine at this year’s CES.

Kerry Stevenson, aka "General Fabb" has been writing Fabbaloo posts since he launched the venture in 2007, with an intention to promote and grow the incredible technology of 3D printing across the world. So far, it seems to be working!

Fabbaloo is a daily online publication focusing on the 3D print and additive manufacturing industries. We provide deeper analysis of developments in current and future technologies as well as corporate matters. If there’s something happening in 3D technologies, especially FDM, SLA, SLS and Stereolithography, we’ll have an opinion about it.